Psittacosaurus fossil map
Where fossils of Psittacosaurus have been found, shown on the Earth as it looked about 115 million years ago and on today’s map.
Dots are fossil collections recorded in the Paleobiology Database. The “then” view moves today’s fossil sites back to their positions 115 million years ago (the time slice nearest the median age of the fossils) using the Merdith et al. (2021) plate model; positions are approximate. Open on the timeline map →
| Group | Horned & dome-headed dinosaurs |
|---|---|
| Lived | 137.05–100.5 million years ago (Valanginian to Albian) |
| Periods | Cretaceous |
| Named by | Osborn 1923 |
| Fossil records | 70 occurrences at 48 locations (PBDB) |
| Found in | China, Mongolia, Russian Federation, Thailand |
| Rock formations | Yixian, txn:NF, Ilek, Öösh, Ejinhoro, Jiufotang |
About Psittacosaurus
Psittacosaurus ( SIT-ə-kə-SOR-əs; "parrot lizard" in Greek) is a genus of extinct ceratopsian dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of what is now Asia, existing between 125 and 105 million years ago. It is notable for being the most species-rich non-avian dinosaur genus. Up to 13 species are known, from across China, Mongolia, Russia, and Thailand. The species of Psittacosaurus were obligate bipeds at adulthood, with a high skull and a robust beak. One individual was found preserved with long filaments on the tail, similar to those of Tianyulong. Psittacosaurus probably had complex behaviours, based on the proportions and relative size of the brain. It may have been active for short periods of time during the day and night, and had well-developed senses of smell and vision.
Text in “About” is quoted from the Wikipedia article Psittacosaurus (revision 1380244922), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0; introduction excerpted verbatim, formatting removed. Ages, family, authority and fossil records: Paleobiology Database, accessed 22 October 2026. Ages are those of the rock layers the fossils were found in.
